Label
(from 2014.Old Walks and New)
Joseph de Martini, American, 1896-1984
Gloucester Dock, c. 1939-41, oil on canvas
Despite the fact that the fishermen are quite small, the boat ramp draws your attention to them as they mend their nets in the image’s middle ground. Their size makes them seem powerless in relation to the approaching storm and to the industrial fishing boats, on which they work. DeMartini created this oil while employed by the WPA/Federal Arts Project. He was also a member of the American Artists Congress, a left-leaning organization sympathetic to workers’ rights. De Martini was an early American modernist as can be seen in his use of black outlines and non-naturalistic shape and color. The contrast of orange and blue complementary colors creates a powerful effect of light striking the boats.